Summary
On September 06, 2001, a Colburn Murphy Rebel (N407AC) was involved in an accident near Kotzebue, AK. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, with 1 person uninjured out of 2 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during takeoff. Factors associated with the accident were variable winds, and trees.
On September 5, 2001, about 1630 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Colburn Murphy Rebel, an experimental, homebuilt airplane, N407AC, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from an off airport site located about 78 miles north of Kotzebue, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The certificated airline transport pilot sustained serious injuries, and the one passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the accident site, and was en route to another remote off airport site.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ANC01LA135. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N407AC.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during takeoff. Factors associated with the accident were variable winds, and trees.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On September 5, 2001, about 1630 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Colburn Murphy Rebel, an experimental, homebuilt airplane, N407AC, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from an off airport site located about 78 miles north of Kotzebue, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The certificated airline transport pilot sustained serious injuries, and the one passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the accident site, and was en route to another remote off airport site.
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on September 6, the pilot reported that shortly after a downhill, easterly takeoff, the 10 knot prevailing wind shifted from east to west. The pilot said that the airplane would not climb, and subsequently collided with a stand of trees at the end of the site. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC01LA135